CHAPTER I
PANCH PANDAV CAVE
(i) Unity of Religions
Panch Pandav cave is on the Kadri hill at a distance of
two miles from Mangalore town. Of the six caves on this
hill the one occupied by Ramdas was the largest. It is so
situated that at dawn the sun's rays pierced straight
through the darkness inside the cave, flooding it with their
golden effulgence. He remained in this cave for nearly
three months. He was then clad in a coarse khaddar cloth,
and used for asan and bed a bare deerskin. A tiny earthen
dish with cotton wick and cocoanut oil served the purpose
of a lamp. Added to these, a copper water pot comprised
his equipment in that solitary retreat. His diet consisted of
milk and plantains twice a day.
During the day he had a stream of visitors from the
town and other parts of the district. They would take un-
feigned delight in listening to the story of his travels and
experiences in the course of a year's absence. The visitors
were drawn from all castes and creeds. Hindus,
Christians and Muhammadans, all alike, vied with each
other in granting him the joy of their company. Itinerant
sadhus and sannyasins would also bless him with
their visits.
He discoursed with the Hindus upon the one supreme
Brahman as the sole cause of creation, preservation and
destruction. This great Reality has incarnated in India and
other parts of the world in different ages to subdue evil
and establish the rule of love and righteousness. Rama,
Krishna, Buddha, the great rishis, mahatmas and saints
point to the one goal as the highest aim of life, viz. libera-
tion and union with God. Human life is solely intended
for attaining this blessed state. The supreme Lord is seated
in the hearts of all beings and creatures. He is absolute